JACK WELCH

As NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s clinical services review is postponing its consultation with the public until early next year.

People still have the chance to have their say on the changes which will be shaping Dorset’s services for years to come.

The review is assessing almost all aspects of healthcare across the county to adapt to current financial demands.

Healthcare services are under threat as part of a review of local health services being carried out by the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

As part of the Clinical Services Review, it is recommended that children who have serious illnesses or need long-term care would have to go to the east of the county, threatening Dorchester's Kingfisher Ward and Special Care Baby Unit. (SCBU).

The new mental health review, though sadly constrained for adult services for people over 18 currently, presents an ideal opportunity in which young people who are facing transition from CAHMS to adult support will present valuable feedback as to whether needs are being met and if their care needs are of a high quality standard.

What is more important is that parents and carers too of young people who are living with conditions are given a fair hearing, which too can often take a strain on their own emotional wellbeing.

After commenting in an article in July on the reported £40 million cuts to child mental health services over the last three years, it represented a risk in which early intervention was likely to be neglected if conditions persisted into adulthood.

Being at one of the public workshops during this review highlighted the scale of people’s concerns about existing lack of support.

Whether it be by one of the postcards, online survey or one of the events across the county, there are many hidden voices on this often stigmatised subject which need to be heard.

For more information, visit dorsetccg.nhs.uk/involve/acute-mental-health-services-review.htm